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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

A JESTER OR JUST A CLOWN

WHAT IS FUNNY & WHAT IS NOT?

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When we, as civilised human beings, characterize our humour, it is that we laugh at things WE feel are funny. Our humour is defined by how we see it, but only through our own eyes, not through the eyes of another. It's all to do with the Theory of relativity, I think they would call it.

I know, I am no different to the next guy. I know there are different levels (or maybe styles is a better word) of humour. That is fine and normal, but it is when pride enters the scene that things start to get complicated and disrespectful.

Of course, I admit that with my humour I try to open people's eyes to the funny side of laughing at oneself and yes, I can see that some people might find this provoking, but I think that says more about that person than it does my humour.

THE BIRTH OF MY HUMOUR

For me, my first impression of a world that would shape my humour was when I was young and the contact I had with my Granny Barrowman. She was a nutcase, but I just loved going to see her. She said the silliest of comments, made up words and did all sorts of zany things, she would, for example, turn her dress back to front and walk into the room backwards, speaking backwards as well. She is totally the funniest person I ever have and probably ever will meet. I think my cousin Marilyn and myself come closest to being like her.

Then came the TV and influences from such things as the Goons and a tv programme: Do not adjust your sets or Michael Bentine and a bit later with the likes of Monty Python, the Bonzo dog doo dah band or the children's tv programme Tizwas and most certainly my hero Spike Milligan. Throw in some Zappa and you start to understand my sense of humour. Latter-days, I have taken to following Bill Murray and just love his dry humour.

But what makes others laugh?

I look at what makes others laugh and think: seriously???? really????

The likes of Chubby Brown makes my toes curl.
Along with those other so-called funnymen who ridicule people, gender, sickness, race etc. Saying twat cunt fucking every 2nd word I seriously do not find funny and although I have difficulty understanding why others do, I respect that, because that is life and everyone has the right to like it. I understand when someone else is being ridiculed, it takes the attention away from their own faults...logical

But back to the real story behind this blog. As most know, I make a fake tabloid called the Fools Funnybone. 4 pages of news, sport, entertainment, lots of Ads etc, all things I think up and write over the course of 4 months. I carry pen an paper everywhere and my mobile for quick ideas.

Well now I have to be totally honest, although I do write some stuff in the 4 months, 75% is written in the last month. Yes, we Libra's are known for working at the last minute under pressure to reach a deadline.

I honestly think it's funny and my rule on writing is, if it makes me smile, giggle or laugh, then I presume it is funny.....

but there is where my connection with most of my family and most of my friends and acquaintances seems to end because I fear they just don't get my humour. So it had me thinking a few things......

Am I just not funny?

I totally understand, that maybe I am only a legend in my own shoes, after all, I get that not everyone will get or respects my humour. This thought I can live with because I totally stand behind the belief that we are all different and we should be. It makes this world more interesting......

but then I ask if it is decided I have no talent.....Who decides what talent is?

I do not mean the crappy talent shows on tv, I honestly rarely watch them, because although I totally believe the person is probably brilliant at what they do, all I see is remakes of famous people, they sing like a famous singer or dance like them. I have to be serious if I ever have watched such a programme I see very little originality. I understand these shit shows are purely there to make money. I also see men and woman singers/artists or whatever, with no talent, but flash a nipple or a bit of knicker and they are a hit.

For example, think of that song from Sabrina: Boys boys boys...fucking terrible, but because there was a hint of nipple, yep, massive hit....or tit in her case LOL).

I do however have an idea for a ZEEKtheFREAK video, I will reveal in a later blog.

but, why are people so afraid of liking originality or something new?

As my mother used to say, act normal and you will act daft enough. You see, when I was growing up in the 60's, we still had to follow the golden rules to being a grown-up, get a job, find a wife, have kids, get a mortgage, get an ulcer and probably die unhappy wishing we had done the things we had dreamt of.....

but you guessed it, the Anarchist in me, just could not and still cannot abide by these rules. Why should I, it is my life, not yours, not my parents, not society but mine. I have a lot of problems with people, not police or that, but people in general who attack my way of life., all because they have a shit life....and thus they believe so should I.

and so we come to this......

Is it just jealousy?

I have to be truthful about this view, I know for a fact, that this for many to be true. I have been disappointed by a lot of people, who think they are cool but they are very jealous of my situation. They have become the way their parents and society want them to be and believe me I think that is fine, but if out of jealousy you attack or do not support someone following what they believe in, then you are...and this is just my opinion...a sad bastard. What is wrong with helping someone achieve their dreams, as they at least try to do something with their lives, but just because you wish it was you, you do not help them.

People, do not write them off, support them in every way you can.......

and please, do not get me started on the childish attitude of........If I ignore them, they will stop that and go away and do normal things, they will stop embarrassing me...ha ha ha...sorry your stupid pride is embarrassing you.

and with that in mind, and finally ffs, we come to.....

THE FOOLS FUNNYBONE

I totally love making it, it is a part of me, I have to get out there.

When I made number 1, I did receive a few positive comments and one negative one. The negative one I have respect for, because the person was honest, saying that although they respected all my work, it was just not their humour. Which is fair enough.

I thought I would have received much more positive or even negative comments but very people felt the need to react, after all, it was my project, not theirs. I did, however, feel that people didn't react because it was new, maybe a bit strange in their eyes and they had to get acquainted with my humour.....fair point.

But then I made number 2. I learnt a lot from making number 1 and I seriously thought the second one was much much funnier.

I always wanted to keep it a free and a tabloid that was available to everyone, thus trying to spread as much of my humour on Cyberspace as I could, I asked friends, family to spread the word, share the posts on Facebook, Twitter or just tell a friend, pass it on as word of mouth is the best publicity one can get. I think 3 people from my 750+ friends on Facebook helped out and I have received only one reaction (thanks Pam, Addie and Thijs :) )

I am lost for words. I thought people I knew were friends with me because apart from me being a really great guy (a modest cough) they had a similar sense of humour.....hmm!!! this is food for thought.

So it brings me to the future plans for the tabloid. I will always continue to make it, I love laughing and making people laugh, I have a gift, I know, but the chances are it will no longer be available to everyone and only a selected few, who really like it, will receive it.

I think I will start an email list to find out who wants it or not, because yes, I know I have always said, I make it for me, but it is nice when people give one a compliment for all the hard work, surely one ad or story made you giggle....then tell me. You may not realise how much that means. But think of yourself, if you do/make/create something and someone says. that is cool, well done. Remember the nice feeling?

I do believe I am funny, but then again am I just, but that's just me.......

IN CONCLUSION:

This is just my opinion of things, but If you disagree with anything I say, or you have any other comments to make or maybe you would just like to leave a compliment, please feel free to leave comments here below. I welcome your views